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metaphoricalmet‧a‧phor‧i‧cal /ˌmetəˈfɒrɪkəl◂ $ -ˈfɔː-, -ˈfɑː-/ ●○○ adjective1ALSIGN/SYMBOLa metaphorical use of a word is not concerned with real objects or physical events, but with ideas or events of a non-physical kindThe word has a metaphorical as well as a literal meaning.2ALSIGN/SYMBOLused to show that you are using a metaphorhis need to escape from the metaphorical chains that held him —metaphorically /-kli/ adverbShe was, literally and metaphorically, in perfect shape.